About this topic
All people have feelings about their body and how they look. Body image is not all about your weight, size, age, or gender. It is not just what you see when you look in the mirror. It is also based on how you feel about yourself and what you believe you should look like. Some people feel better about themselves than others do. ‚
Many things may affect your body image like: ‚
- Positive or negative comments from others
- Your experiences based on skin color, gender identity, ethnic background, or religion
- Being exposed to images in movies, TV, and magazines
- Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
People with a positive body image may: ‚
- Feel more comfortable and confident with their body
- Worry less about food and weight
- Value things like character or personality over looks
People with a negative body image may: ‚
- Feel more self-conscious or ashamed of their body
- See themselves as a failure
- Not feel attractive to others
General
Here are a few things you can do to have a better body image. ‚
- Accept that there is no perfect body.
- Pictures are often touched up to get rid of imperfections.
- Celebrities and sports figures spend many hours each day working out.
- Getting older is normal.
- Focus on being healthy rather than on how much you weigh.
- Pay attention to your activity level and what you eat.
- Learn to make smart choices with snacks.
- Find an activity that works for you.
- Working out does not have to mean going to the gym.
- Explore activities like yoga, bicycling, dance, or swimming to find the ones that you enjoy the most.
- Focus on doing things that make you feel happy. Be around people that make you feel good.
- Avoid saying negative things about food, weight, and body sizes and shapes.
- Focus on peoples talent, efforts, and values, as well as your own.
- Food is not good or bad. We should just eat some foods less often than others.
What problems could happen?
Poor body image can lead to: ‚
- Eating disorders
- Low mood
- Low self esteem
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else
- Problems eating or sleeping
- For help sorting out your thoughts
Where can I learn more?
Kids Health ‚
http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/body_image/body_image.html# ‚
Kids Health ‚
http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/beautiful/male_bodyimage.html ‚
National Eating Disorders Association ‚
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/what-body-image ‚
Womens Health ‚
http://womenshealth.gov/body-image/kids/ ‚
Women's Health ‚
http://womenshealth.gov/body-image/about-body-image/index.html ‚
Last Reviewed Date
2015-07-24 ‚
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Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚